Switch key



May 17, 1932. R. SCHAUMBERGIER SWITCH KEY Filed Feb. 2, 1951 h-TJEHE? Rudolf Schaumhar E1" W md Patented my 17, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RUDOLE SCHAUHBERGER, OF MUNICH, GERMANY, ASSIGNOR '10 SIEMENS & HALSKE AKTIENGESELLSOHAFT, OF WERNER'WERI, SIEHENSSTADT, NEAR BERLIN, GER- MANY swrrcn KEY Application filed February 2, 1931, Serial No. 512,910, and in Germany February 5, 1930.

The invention relates to an operator's switchboard key or key switch for which uses are found in telephone systems particularly as a switching over key.

The object of the imentionresides in an improvement in such keys consisting ma nly of the provision of rebound springs between the movable switch member and the contact springs operated thereby, which absorb the shocks created by the throwing over of the key from a contact position to its normal setting. In this manner the so-called bouncing of the set of contact springs not in use when the keyhandle is snapped back to its normal position, is prevented.

Other features of the invention reside in the special construction of the rebound springs and the contact member of the key switch which operates the contact springs.

An embodiment of the key switch according to the invention is shown in the drawings in which Fig. 1 illustrates a front view and Fig. 2 a side view of the key with the set of contact springs shown on one side only.

The key switch shown consists of the mounting plate 1 on which the yoke body 2 is fitted to support the set of contact springs indicated generally at 3 and 4, arranged on both sides of the yoke 2, and the key handle 5. The key handle 5 is pivoted in the yoke 2 and carries at its lower end a contact operating member 6. The key handle after having been thrown one way or the other. is returned to its normal position with the aid of two flat rebound s rings 7 which by means of the screws 8 are xed to both sides of the yoke 2 in the free space between the set of contact springs 3 and 4. These springs 7. when not in use, press against the sides of the contact operating member 6 and hold the handle 5 in a central position. Each of the two rebound springs 7 is provided with a small plate 9 of insulating material. the purpose of which is to operate the two sets of contact springs 3 and 4, arranged sideways to each other, when the rebound springs 7 are brought into operation by the throwing over of the key handle 5. and upon which they press against the points of the set of contact springs 3 and 4, thereby establishing an electrical connection. The shocks caused by snapping the key handle back to its norma position, are absorbed by the springs 7 and OllIlC-Illg at the contact springs themselves is prevented.

As the contact member 6 of the key handle 5 does not operate the set of contact springs 3 and 4 direct, it can be made of metal instead of the usual non-conductive material and no special insulation of the key handle is necessary.

Vhat is claimed is:

1. In a switch key. sets of contact springs, an operating member normally pivoted be bound spring between said contact springs and said operating member to absorb the overthrow of said member by said contact springs when it is moved from its contact operating to its normal position.- v

2. In a switch key, a mounting frame, sets of contact springs on each side ofsaid frame. an operating member between said sets of contact springs, and a rebound spring on each side of said frame between said sets of con tact springs and said operating'member for absorbing the overthrow of said member by said cont-act springs when said member is moved between said contact springs.

'3. In a switch key, a mountlng frame, sets of contact springs on each side of said frame, an operating member on said frame normally pivoted between said sets of contact springs for operating one or the other of said sets. and a rebound spring on each side of said frame extending between said sets of contact springs andsaid operating member for absorbing the rebound of said operating member when it is moved from its contact spring operating to its normal position.

4. In a switch key, a mounting frame, sets of contact springs supported on each side of said frame. an operating member pivoted in said frame between said sets of contact springs. and a rebound spring supported on each side of said frame and extending between said operating member and the sets of contact springs, said operating member moving said rebound springs to operate the sets of contact springs on one side of said frame 'tween said sets of contact springs, and a reand upon being restored to normal prevented from operating the opposite sets of contact springs by the rebound spring on the opposite side or". the frame. I. In a switch key, a mounting frame, sets of contact springs supported on each side of said frame, an operating member pivoted in said frame rebound springs supported oneach 1 side-of said frame between'seid contact spring 0 isets and said operatingmember, said rebound springs moved by said operating member to operate said contactsprings on one side of said frame and upon restoration of the operating member to prevent the operation of the a contact spring set on the opposite side of said frame.

6. In a s' itch key, a mounting frame, sets of contact springs on each side of said frame, an operating member in said frame between 20 said sets of Contact springs, rebound springs on each side of said frame between said contact spring sets and saidopereting member movable by said operating member to operate said contact springs when the member is moved in one position and preventing the operation of the opposite sets of contact springs when the member is restored to normal, and an insulated member on said rebound springs for engaging said contact spring sets when go the are operated.

, In Witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 9th day of January, A. D. 1931.

RUDOLF SUHAUMBEBGEPW 

